Shayna Jack remains on track for the fairytale finish to her swimming career after flying through the 50m freestyle heats on Tuesday.
Jack made her intentions to retire after these Commonwealth Games public in the lead up to Glasgow and was visibly emotional as she joined her teammates on the top step of the podium after Australia’s 4x100m freestyle relay triumph on Saturday.
But an individual gold would be the crowning glory of her last appearance in green and gold.
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Jack nabbed a bronze medal in the 100m freestyle on day four as Meg Harris sensationally dethroned fellow Aussie Mollie O’Callaghan and was more than ready for her final individual event by the time she entered the water in the eighth heat of the 50m freestyle.
She left little in the tank, producing the second-fastest time with only Harris ahead of her.
“I wasn’t going to rest like I did for the 100m freestyle, so I really wanted to give it everything this morning,” she told Channel 7 commentator Ariane Titmus.
“I’m really happy with that swim after last night as well, so I’m through to the semis and that’s job done.”
When asked about her last individual swim, Jack said she would do her best to take it all in and get back to the top step one last time.
“I do have a job to do, but in the end, I really just want to enjoy it. I want to soak it all up. Whatever happens, happens, and hopefully I can do it with the girls by my side,” she said.
“My goal is obviously to get on the podium for my country, but I want to stay true to myself and give myself some grace to just enjoy every part of it.”
It was another very strong morning session for Australia as Kyle Chalmers breezed through the 50m butterfly heats alongside Ben Armbruster, who produced the best time, and Cam McEvoy to set up tantalising semifinals.
The mixed 4x100m medley team were also almost two seconds clear of their next-best challenger as they qualified for the final.
